ALDERNEY (Fr. Aurigny; Lat. Aurinia), an island in the English channel (see CHANNEL ISLANDS), lat. 49° 45' n., long. 2' 13' w., separated from the coast of Normandy by a strait about 7 m. in breadth, called the race of Alderney. Through this channel, which is very dangerous in rough weather, the remnant of the French fleet escaped after their defeat at La Hogue in 1692. The distances between Alderney and the nearest points of Guernsey, Jersey, and Great Britain are respeCtively about 15, 33, and 60 In. The length of the island is about 4 m., the breadth about 11. The coast to the s.e. is bold and lofty, to the n.e. and n. it descends, forming numerous small bays, one of which, that of Crabby, affords the only anchorage in the island. A harbor of refuge and breakwater have been constructed on the n. side of the island, the extensive works connected with which have greatly increased the population ; 6 m. to the w. are the caskets, a small cluster of rocks on which are three light-houses. The soil in the center of the island is highly productive; and the A. cows, a small but handsome breed, have always been celebrated. The climate is mild and healthy, and good water abounds. The population has been steadily on the decrease for some time. In 1851, it was 3333;
in 1871, it counted 2738. Education to some extent is universal. The population was originally French, but half the inhabitants now speak English, and all understand it. Protestantism has prevailed here since the reformation. A. is a dependency of Guernsey. and subject to the British crown. The civil power is vested in a judge appointed by the crown, and six jurats chosen by the people. These, with twelve popular represent atives or dauzainiers (who do not vote), constitute the local legislature. The court of justice is composed of the judge and jurats, the royal procureur and comptroller and the registrar (greffler), nominated by 'the governor. There is a local militia, consisting of two companies of infantry and a brigade of artillery. The "town," situated in a pic turesque valley near the center of the island, contains a few public buildings, among which is the old church, said to have been erected in the 12th c., and a new one in the early English style, with'a tower 104 ft. high. The living is a perpetual curacy in the arch deaconry and diocese of Winchester.